Lecture delivers a feast of slides, music, and video

Nigel has had an illustrious career ranging from the Scots Guards Band, Royal Ballet, Professor of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Royal Opera House,  lately producer of BBC series At the Opera and at present the Music Administrator for the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden!

Members were treated to a feast of slides, music, and video which ranged from images and history of the great building itself to extracts from operas and ballet.   The changes from the ‘Fat Lady Sings’ to the modern glamorous divas, the vamping of the backstage to accommodate technical developments (like Mission Control)  and of course the tantrums which had been captured by the camera held the audience spell-bound.   The real Billy Elliot, Philip Mosley, featured in some of the clips which highlighted the regimentation and dangers of the ballet-dancers’ lives.  The talk concentrated too on his own role  in the orchestra pit.

Nigel said “I have really enjoyed my visit to Fylde DFAS and appreciated such a warm reception.  I hope to come back again as I have plenty more tricks up my sleeve.  In the past I have worked in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens with the Sadlers Wells Ballet and even rehearsed in the famous Tower Ballroom (Yes I love Come Dancing).  If anyone wants to come to see the Opera House anytime just like to say that tours are free!

Marie Riley , Chairperson of DFAS said ” A most successful afternoon.  It’s wonderful when someone of Nigel’s experience comes to visit and delivers such a lively and inspiring presentation. ”

Our next lecture, The Age of Jazz! Art Deco Fashion and Style, will take place on Wednesday, 8 January 2014.